Gibraltar Public Holidays 2019 & 2020
- October 19, 2019
- Gibraltar
This page contains a national calendar of all 2019 and 2020 public holidays for Gibraltar.
Gibraltar Public Holidays 2019
Date | Day | Holiday |
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This is the southern tip of Gibraltar which has unrestricted views across to Africa. The area is a small plateau with sheer cliffs on the east side. The Windmill Hill fortifications and southern ridge batteries can be clearly seen from this point. The Europa Point Lighthouse is the main historical feature at the point.
This is the southern tip of Gibraltar, often referred to as the closest point between Europe and Africa. The closet point is actually in Spain approximately 20 miles to the west of Gibraltar. Despite this, the views of Africa from Europa Point can be exceptional on a clear day or evening. The lighthouse at the Point is 150 years old and still in service.
The foundation stone was laid in 1838 by Lady Dowager Queen Adelaide three years prior to completion. It stands 162 feet high from the light to the high water mark.
Improvements and alterations have been carried out during the course of the nineteenth century. In 1905 the oil burner was substituted with an incandescent light. In 1954 the height of the tower was increased by six feet to allow for the installation of a fixed red light below the main optic to enhance the red part of the spectrum. The 3,000 watt light bulb reaches out 21 miles on a clear night. During a heavy fog it can only be seen for two miles. In 1994 it was fully automated.
The lighthouse is the only one outside Britain managed by Trinity House.